The tech world never slows down, and the next 12 months are likely to deliver some of the most exciting gadgets. With companies pushing harder on AI, performance and immersive design, the next wave of gadgets is generating a lot of buzz. From bold new smartphones to advanced VR headsets and powerhouse GPUs, here are the 10 devices everyone will be talking about over the next 12 months.
1) Apple’s AI Smart Glasses
Apple has reportedly paused work on its planned Vision Pro redesign to focus on a more urgent project: smart glasses that can take on Meta’s offerings. The company had been developing a cheaper, lighter Vision Pro model for 2027, but resources are now being redirected to the glasses effort, Bloomberg reported. Apple is working on two versions, and the first, known as N50, is expected to pair with an iPhone and won’t have its own display. According to Bloomberg, Apple aims to unveil the N50 as early as 2026, ahead of a planned 2027 release.
2) Samsung Galaxy S26 Series
Samsung is poised to set the tone for the smartphone market with the expected early-2026 debut of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26. New leaks suggest the Galaxy Unpacked event may arrive even sooner, with January 2026 now looking likely. The upcoming lineup is rumoured to be one of Samsung’s most advanced yet, featuring significant upgrades in display technology, camera hardware and AI-driven software across all three models.
3) Apple’s M5-Powered Macs
Apple is preparing a major Mac refresh for early 2026, with the MacBook Air set to be one of the first models to get the new M5 chip, the same processor that debuted in the 14-inch MacBook Pro. A new low-cost MacBook is also on the way in the first half of 2026, positioned below the $999 MacBook Air.
Apple will expand the M5 lineup further with new MacBook Pro models in early 2026. The higher-end versions will ship with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offering more CPU cores, stronger GPUs and faster SSDs.
4) Google Pixel 10a
Google’s next mid-range offering, the Pixel 10a, is already generating buzz even though the Pixel 9a is still relatively new on shelves. Expected to launch around March 2026 at an estimated price of $499, the Pixel 10a is rumoured to maintain a design similar to its predecessor while introducing a few meaningful upgrades.
Reports suggest Google may use a scaled-down version of the Tensor G5 or possibly the G4 chip to keep costs in check, and the display could grow slightly without increasing the overall size of the phone. But it remains unclear whether the device will support Qi2 Pixelsnap magnetic charging, a feature that would bring it closer to higher-end models.
5) OLED Apple iPad Mini
Apple is planning significant upgrades to its MacBook Air, iPad mini and iPad Air, with all three lines expected to move to higher-end displays. The iPad mini is likely to lead the transition, with an OLED version potentially arriving as early as 2026, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the plans. The shift is part of Apple’s move towards OLED panels and is designed to give customers a stronger reason to upgrade.
6) Meta Quest 4 VR Headset
Meta is reportedly preparing new VR and AR devices for 2026. The Information reports that Meta will launch two headsets next year, the Quest 4 and a lower-cost Quest 4S, aimed at premium and budget buyers. Both are expected to feature a slimmer, goggle-style design. People familiar with the matter told The Information that Meta also plans to release its first AR glasses next year.
The Quest 4 models, code-named Pismo Low and Pismo High, are set for 2026, while a more advanced headset, code-named La Jolla, is planned for 2027 to take on Apple’s Vision Pro.
7) iPhone 18 Pro And Apple’s First Foldable Device
Apple is expected to launch three high-end phones, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a new foldable model, in fall 2026. About six months later, the company is likely to follow up with the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and possibly an updated iPhone Air. A foldable iPhone would be one of the biggest smartphone events of 2026 if it arrives.
8) Samsung’s Foldables
Samsung plans to expand its Galaxy Z foldable lineup in 2026 with two Galaxy Z Fold models in addition to the Galaxy Z Flip. The move is aimed at strengthening Samsung’s lead in the foldable market ahead of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. At present, Samsung offers one Galaxy Z Flip and one Galaxy Z Fold. In 2026, the company is expected to introduce a second Fold variant, described as a “Wide Fold,” with a broader aspect ratio.
9) New Fitbit Lineup
Fitbit fans may finally have something to look forward to next year. After a long period of uncertainty, and Google’s growing focus on devices like the Pixel Watch 4, the company has confirmed that new Fitbit hardware is coming in 2026. Google bought Fitbit in 2021, but updates to the Fitbit lineup have been minimal since then, leaving many to wonder whether the brand had a future. The confirmation of new devices brings renewed excitement, especially for users who prefer lightweight fitness trackers over full-size smartwatches.
10) Honor Robot Phone
Honor is reportedly gearing up to showcase its Robot Phone at MWC 2026, positioning it as the next step in its AI device strategy. The concept handset combines robotics, advanced photography and multi-modal AI. Honor says the phone will feature a pop-up AI camera mounted on a gimbal with a rotatable motor, signalling a major push towards more intelligent, motion-driven imaging when it makes its debut next year.
The next 12 months are set to bring improvements in chips, new foldable and wearable designs and more practical AI features built directly into devices. If you plan to upgrade, focus on the features you actually need and wait for confirmed launch dates and hands-on reviews before buying.